I’m home-schooled but going back to public school this fall. I was really excited about electives and cool classes until I found out that everyone hates me. My friends are excited about me coming back, but most people are like, "Oh, she’s weird," or "She’s annoying," and now, I’m afraid to go back. I just want go into a hole.

Dear From Home-Schooled to Public School,

I’m glad you are going because I think it's important to
make new friends, learn to deal with tricky people, and get socially
comfortable before college. Try to stay psyched about seeing your friends. As
for the others, why would they hate you? Chances are, they will either like you
or be too busy with their own lives to dwell on yours. If you join clubs
(chorus, robotics, student council, band, sports, whatever), you’ll meet
like-minded people. Focus on the positive and don’t let kids you don’t even
care about scare you down a rabbit hole.